“Rebecca was an outstanding athlete who showcased the spirit of resilience in representing Uganda and East Africa. Her passing is not only a loss to Uganda and the athletics community, but to the entire region,” Murkomen stated.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles.”
The minister pledged full support for efforts to ensure justice for Cheptegei.
“As a government, we remain committed to supporting justice for Rebecca. No one should have to go through such an ordeal. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.
Cheptegei was doused with petrol and set ablaze by her estranged partner, Dickson Ndiema, in Kitale, a town in the northwest of Kenya, on Sunday, September 1, 2024, following a disagreement. She suffered burns to 80 percent of her body. Ndiema also sustained 30 percent burns and is receiving treatment.
The tragic incident came just weeks after the 33-year-old had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
The incident has shone a spotlight on violence experienced by women in Kenya. A government report published in 2022 revealed that nearly 34% of Kenyan girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women being particularly at risk. Several women in sports have been affected in recent years.
In April 2022, Kenyan-Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee Mutua was found dead in Iten, a famous athletics training base in Kenya. An autopsy revealed that the then 28-year-old athlete had been strangled.
In October 2021, Olympian runner Agnes Tirop was found dead in her home in Iten with multiple stab wounds to the neck. Tirop’s estranged husband was arrested and charged with her murder. The case is pending in court.
The summit, which has become a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, was lauded for its transformative impact, as both regions continue to advance modernization and build a community with a shared future.
President Xi’s keynote address, titled “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future,” set the tone for the summit.
He called for the elevation of bilateral relations between China and African nations to the level of strategic partnerships.
Xi emphasized that relations should evolve into an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future,” underscoring the enduring nature of the collaboration between the two regions.
The President reinforced this commitment by announcing RMB 360 billion (USD 50.7 billion) in financial support for Africa over the next three years, aimed at bolstering ten key partnership actions across multiple sectors.
In response, African leaders expressed their appreciation for China’s continued support and shared their vision for the future of China-Africa relations.
As Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the outgoing co-chair of FOCAC, pointed out, “The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a model of effective partnership based on dialogue and mutual respect.”
He also praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has expanded Africa’s infrastructure in critical sectors like ports, airports, highways, and railways.
Further emphasizing this cooperative spirit, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union, highlighted that the China-Africa partnership is built on more than just economic exchanges.
“It is primarily based on a strong sharing of visions and positions, such as the belief in a community with a shared future for mankind and the need to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development,” he remarked.
Ghazouani noted that the partnership framework offered by FOCAC enables both regions to develop new paths for solidarity and cooperation, creating a foundation for mutual benefit.
As African countries navigate their development journey, infrastructure remains a key priority.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of this in his address, noting, “Whenever the need arises, the people of the world reach out to one another in the name of common humanity. This is what brings African countries and China together under FOCAC.”
Ramaphosa praised the growth of China-Africa trade, which reached USD 282.1 billion in 2023, marking an 11% increase since 2021. He also welcomed China’s proposal to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic level, viewing it as a reflection of China’s deep commitment to its partnership with Africa.
Apart from trade, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), introduced by President Xi Jinping, became a platform connecting nations and building a shared future.
Over 50 African countries have joined the BRI, embracing the rewards of improved infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
Driven by the BRI, Chinese companies have undertaken awe-inspiring infrastructure projects in Africa. Within 23 years, they have constructed or upgraded more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, approximately 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports.
These transformative projects enhanced trade and created over 4.5 million jobs, breathing new life into African communities.
Building on this theme of shared development, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Africa’s infrastructure goals under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, noting, “This partnership offers even greater promise for the future.”
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan echoed these sentiments, describing China as a true partner in Africa’s fight against poverty and its pursuit of prosperity.
“These partnership actions will support China and Africa in strengthening cooperation in various fields and advancing modernization together,” she remarked.
Suluhu’s words reflected the broad consensus among African leaders on the significance of the initiatives proposed by President Xi, which include cooperation in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who succeeded his Senegalese counterpart as FOCAC co-chair, reflected on the importance of collaboration for modernization and peace.
“Africa and China are growing closer based on shared history, values, and solidarity,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that FOCAC would continue to play a key role in global governance, helping to address Africa’s development challenges through intensified trade and investment.
At the global level, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised China’s role in promoting South-South cooperation, stating, “China’s remarkable rapid development, including eradicating poverty, provides a wealth of experience and expertise.”
He emphasized that Africa stands to benefit significantly from China’s support, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and technology.
Following the opening ceremony, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, co-chaired a high-level meeting on governance, in which heads of state shared experiences and offered further insights into the broader China-Africa relationship.
President Kagame said that Africa needs partners who value people’s cooperation and emphasized Africa’s readiness to enhance political, trade, and investment partnerships with China.
Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has moved between major African and Chinese cities, consistently strengthening the bond between the two regions. This year’s summit reaffirmed FOCAC’s status as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation and a platform for fostering long-term development and prosperity for both Africa and China.
He made the remarks in a recent written (Q&A) interview with Xinhua. The following is the written interview.
Question: Over the past 20 years and more, under your leadership, Rwanda’s GDP has grown at an average rate of nearly 8 percent, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and even globally. What has enabled Rwanda to achieve such remarkable economic growth?
Answer: Rwanda’s economic growth over the past two decades is the result of a combination of factors, including leadership, a strong commitment to good governance, and a focus on inclusive development. We have prioritized creating a stable and secure environment, investing in human capital, and fostering a business-friendly climate.
Additionally, our emphasis on homegrown solutions, such as promoting unity and reconciliation, has allowed us to build a strong social fabric that supports sustainable development.
Question: Both Rwanda and China have achieved miraculous development under extremely challenging circumstances. What similarities do you see between the two countries in terms of national governance? Which places in China have you visited, and what are your deepest impressions of China’s modernization?
Answer: Rwanda and China share a history of overcoming immense challenges to achieve significant progress. Both countries have shown resilience, determination, and a commitment to self-reliance.
In terms of governance, we both prioritize long-term planning, social stability, and the well-being of our citizens.
We have visited several places in China: Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, among others, and what impresses me most is the scale of development and modernization, particularly in infrastructure and technology, which serves as an inspiration for Rwanda’s own development journey.
Question: How do you evaluate the achievements in the development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years? Especially in areas including poverty reduction, economy and trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization, what results have been achieved?
Answer: We have deepened our cooperation with China across various fields, including trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization. China has become one of Rwanda’s largest trading partners, and our collaboration has led to tangible results, especially in poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
Question: In recent years, the two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. How do you evaluate the role of this cooperation in promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods in both countries? In your opinion, in which areas can the two countries further explore the potential for cooperation in the future?
Answer: The Belt and Road Initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing Rwanda’s infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. Projects like roads in different corners of our country and in the city of Kigali, IPRC North in Musanze, and the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant have had a direct impact on improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth.
Looking forward, we see potential for further cooperation in areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, and agricultural modernization.
Question: Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” with beautiful scenery and rich tourism resources. However, the number of tourists from China is still relatively low. You have mentioned on various occasions that Chinese are welcome to work, live, and travel in Rwanda. How do you think the governments and media of the two countries can better promote Rwanda?
Answer: Rwanda has much to offer in terms of tourism, and we are keen to welcome more Chinese tourists. To enhance mutual understanding and awareness, both governments and media can play a pivotal role. We should promote cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism initiatives. By highlighting the beauty of Rwanda and the hospitality of its people, we can attract more visitors from China, thereby strengthening our bilateral cultural ties.
Question: You have visited China multiple times and attended the 2006 and 2018 Beijing summits of the FOCAC in your capacity as president of Rwanda. In 2018, you mentioned at the forum that “The expanded cooperation framework presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping fully reflects our common understanding of the future of our community.” Six years have passed; has the envisioned cooperation met your expectations?
Answer: The FOCAC has been a key platform for deepening the partnership between China and Africa. The expanded cooperation framework presented by President Xi in 2018 has indeed met our expectations, particularly in areas like infrastructure development and digital connectivity.
Chinese tourists and entrepreneurs can now travel to Rwanda and receive visas upon arrival. As for this year’s summit, we look forward to further strengthening our cooperation, especially in new and emerging fields, ensuring that our partnership continues to benefit both China and Africa.
Question: Rwanda and China have both suffered significant disasters in history due to the interference of Western countries in our internal affairs. Even today, some Western countries still attempt to undermine China-Africa cooperation by fabricating false narratives such as “debt traps” and “new colonialism.” What is your assessment of these claims? From your point of view, how should countries approach and cooperate with Africa?
Answer: The claims of “debt traps” and “new colonialism” are often unfounded and reflect a misunderstanding of the nature of China-Africa cooperation. Rwanda, like many other African countries, values its partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Rather than being dictated by external narratives, we believe in evaluating partnerships based on their actual outcomes. Our approach to cooperation is one that emphasizes sovereignty, self-reliance, and the pursuit of win-win outcomes.
Question: In March 2013, shortly after President Xi took office as Chinese president, he visited Africa and for the first time put forward to the world a policy of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests. He vowed that China and Africa would always be reliable friends and sincere partners. How do you comment on China’s concepts regarding developing relations with Africa?
Answer: China’s approach to Africa, characterized by sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, resonates strongly with Rwanda’s values. Rwanda had the honor to host President Xi in 2018 when I was Chair of the African Union Commission. This commitment speaks to the vigor and reliability of our relations. China has proven to be a reliable friend and partner, supporting Africa’s development without imposing its will. This model of cooperation is one that we deeply appreciate and seek to continue.
Question: Currently, the voices of the Global South are becoming louder and louder on the international stage. The Chinese side emphasizes that China has always been a member of the “Global South” and will always belong to developing countries. China’s vote in the United Nations will always belong to developing countries. How do you think China and Africa should strengthen unity and cooperation on the multilateral stage in the future?
Answer: As the voices of the Global South grow stronger on the international stage, it is essential for China and Africa to continue to strengthen their unity and cooperation.
China’s commitment to being a member of the Global South and aligning its interests with those of developing countries is commendable. Together, we can work to ensure that our collective voice is heard in multilateral forums, advocating for a more just and equitable global order.
Question: Have you been following “Chinese modernization”? Do you think China’s development model can provide some inspiration for Rwanda? What are the challenges that Rwanda faces in localizing Chinese experiences?
Answer: The Chinese-style modernization is indeed something we observe with great interest. China’s model of development, characterized by long-term planning, strong state involvement, and an emphasis on infrastructure and technology, offers inspiration for Rwanda. However, the challenge for Rwanda is to adapt these experiences to our unique context. Localization of Chinese experiences requires careful consideration of our cultural, social, and economic realities. Nonetheless, the principles of self-reliance, innovation, and strategic planning that underpin China’s success are universally applicable and can guide Rwanda’s development trajectory.
Question: This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi. Looking back on this tragic event, do you think the different ethnic groups within Rwanda have achieved reconciliation today? In the future, what measures will your government take to further heal ethnic conflicts, ensure national stability, and promote ethnic unity?
Answer: The 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is a solemn reminder of the darkest chapter in our history. My feelings are those of deep sorrow for the lives lost, but also immense pride in the resilience of the Rwandan people who have chosen the path of reconciliation and unity.
Today, Rwanda has made significant progress in healing ethnic divisions through inclusive policies, justice, and promoting national identity over ethnic identity.
Moving forward, we will continue to focus on building a cohesive society where all Rwandans feel valued and secure, ensuring that our nation remains stable and united.
Question: What is your vision for the development of Rwanda in the next ten years? On the global and African stage, what role do you hope Rwanda will play?
Answer: In the next ten years, I envision Rwanda becoming a middle-income country, with a diversified economy driven by innovation, technology, and high-value sectors.
On the global and African stage, Rwanda aspires to be a leader in peacekeeping, environmental sustainability, and regional integration. Rwanda will continue to play a constructive role in African development, contributing to the continent’s progress and standing as a strong advocate for African interests in international forums.
Speaking to IGIHE upon his arrival, Obi expressed his admiration for Rwanda’s transformation, particularly the changes he observed at Kigali International Airport. “The airport has expanded and looks more executive than before,” he remarked, recalling his previous experiences when he only transited through the country.
This is his first time stepping onto Rwandan soil, and he is already impressed by the nation’s progress.
Obi’s relationship with Sherrie Silver began through social media, where he was captivated by her global influence and dedication to uplifting African youth. “Her influence on the world stage fascinated me,” Obi said.
“I am more than willing to support her in any way I can.” He emphasized that supporting young talents like Silver, who rose from humble beginnings to become a global icon, is something he is passionate about.
Obi expressed his desire to use his platform to encourage more African youths to strive for success in various fields. “The sky is the limit for the youth,” he said. “They can always count on me for support, whether in art, fashion, or music.”
The Silver Gala, organized by the Sherrie Silver Foundation, promises to be a night of glamour, entertainment, and impact. The foundation, which supports over 660 children and youths, empowers young people with the skills, tools, and resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty and create brighter futures.
Obi’s presence at the event underscores his commitment to fostering youth development across the continent.
The gala will feature prominent speakers such as Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership Group and African Leadership University, and award-winning Rwandan musician The Ben.
The event will also include performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation, showcasing their talents in dance, along with performances by musician Boukuru.
DJs Toxxyk and Sonia, who have pledged to provide deejaying lessons to the children in the coming days, will entertain the audience, further supporting the foundation’s mission of equipping youth with valuable skills.
As a successful businessman, Obi hinted at the possibility of exploring business opportunities in Rwanda. “I cannot rule out the possibility of establishing a business relationship with Rwanda,” he said, recognizing the country’s potential for growth and collaboration.
His visit not only supports Sherrie Silver’s cause but also opens doors for future partnerships between Nigeria and Rwanda.
Founded by Sherrie Silver, the Silver Foundation is dedicated to helping young people realize their full potential. Silver’s journey from a humble background to global fame mirrors the stories of the youths she now empowers.
The foundation’s next major goal is to establish a permanent Talent Development Centre in Rwanda, which will house the country’s first-ever theatre.
“The Sherrie Silver Foundation is here to stay,” Silver told the press, emphasizing her commitment to expanding the foundation’s impact. “We are eager to extend our support to more children and create spaces for artistic expression and growth.”
As the gala approaches, Silver extended an open invitation to the public: “I am inviting you to my first event in Rwanda, a glamorous gala dinner bringing together business leaders and my celebrity friends,” she posted on her X. All proceeds will go towards supporting the foundation.”
With Peter Obi’s support, along with other influential figures, the Silver Gala promises to be an unforgettable night, celebrating the power of youth and the potential for a brighter future.
His arrival in Rwanda marks not just a commitment to youth empowerment but also the possibility of future collaborations that could benefit both Rwanda and Nigeria.
The Silver Gala, slated for Saturday 7, 2024 will undoubtedly be a night of glamour, impact, and inspiration for all involved.
Heifer International provided this equipment through the ‘Mechanization for Africa Initiative,’ a project that offers agricultural machinery on a loan payment plan. This initiative has been operational in three African countries since 2022, and Rwanda becomes the fourth, following Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria.
The handover event was officiated by the State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, who expressed that the project is expected to accelerate agriculture in Rwanda.
He said, “It will help farmers cultivate faster and on time, enabling them to achieve higher yields. When you look at a farmer cultivating 10 or five hectares, they can hire manual labor, but often the delay causes them to miss the rainy season.”
In the next phase, an additional 15 tractors will be distributed to help farmers cultivate larger areas in a shorter time, increasing both the quantity and value of the yield.
Heifer International’s Vice President for Africa, Adesuwa Ifedi, stated that the organization is pleased to launch this program to uplift Rwandan farmers and noted that in other parts of Africa where it operates, the initiative has already advanced the level of local farming.
She said, “It helps farmers cultivate larger areas, which translates into higher income. We are pleased that, over the last two years, this program has improved agriculture in other countries. For instance, one testimony we received here was from a farmer who increased his cultivation from one hectare to five hectares thanks to the machine.”
Heifer International’s Director in Rwanda, Verena Ruzibuka, mentioned that the project will also create job opportunities for the youth across the country by connecting them with farmers who need these services.
However, Ruzibuka urged more partners to join the initiative to assist more farmers in accessing these loans.
She said, “We’ve provided the initial funding for the project, but we encourage financial institutions to explore how they can also get involved. We’ve seen interest from other donors, but we invite more partners to join us on this journey to help provide mechanization for more farmers.”
{{Modus operandi}}
Heifer International will provide the tractors in collaboration with a company called Hello Tractor, which connects the owners with farmers in need. A farmer who requires the tractor must cultivate at least 500 hectares annually, and cooperatives must have 500 hectares under cultivation.
Farmers are required to make an initial payment of 5% of the machine’s cost and sign a contract with Hello Tractor, which outlines the terms and conditions of collaboration. They typically pay for three to five years; after which they own them outright. Those who meet the criteria can register on the Hello Tractor website, undergo an assessment, and be connected with the providers.
A facility for machine maintenance will soon be built in Kayonza District in the Eastern Province.
Each tractor provided has a value ranging from Rwf45million to Rwf50 million. They come with large plows that can cultivate, harvest, and perform other functions depending on the farmer’s needs.
The eight-day-long reed dance is a traditional rite of passage into womanhood, where young women sing and dance bare-chested, dressed in traditional attire that includes anklets and vibrant, colourful tassels. Some participants also carry mock swords and shields.
Eswatini spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo told the BBC that Nomcebo and King Mswati III are “marrying for love,” downplaying criticism about the age gap and political power play.
“Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally,” Nxumalo said.
A section of analysts had speculated that the marriage would strengthen political ties between the King and Zuma, who was president of South Africa from 2009 until 2018. The former Head of State, who is also polygamous and has been married six times, was forced to resign by his African National Congress party after a series of corruption allegations.
King Mswati, who has ruled the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for 38 years, is allowed to marry multiple times. He has been married 15 times. Two of King Mswati’s wives are deceased, while two others are divorced.
“The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space, surmounts mountains and oceans, and passes down through generations,” said Xi.
He noted that the relationship between the two regions has evolved over nearly seven decades and is now at its strongest point in history.
The financial package will be disbursed to support key sectors in Africa, including infrastructure, agriculture, industry, health, and education.
“This financial support will not only enhance Africa’s industrial capacity but will also provide tangible benefits to millions of ordinary Africans,” Xi stated.
The initiative is seen as a major step forward in China’s commitment to Africa’s development and modernization.
One of the most significant aspects of the support package is China’s commitment to opening its markets further to African products. Xi announced that least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, including 33 African nations, will receive zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines.
“This will help turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity,” Xi emphasized. This move is expected to provide a major boost to African agricultural exports and deepen economic ties between the two regions.
Xi’s also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in Africa’s modernization journey. As part of the multibillion financial support, China will carry out 30 connectivity projects across the continent, aimed at improving transport links, boosting trade, and fostering regional integration.
“Together, we are building a network of connectivity that will benefit future generations,” Xi said. This commitment aligns with Africa’s broader goal of achieving sustainable development through enhanced connectivity and cooperation.
In terms of technology and industrialization, China will work with Africa to create digital technology cooperation centers and launch 20 digital demonstration projects across the continent. These initiatives are intended to help Africa embrace the ongoing industrial revolution and foster inclusive economic growth.
In addition, China intends to focus on environmental sustainability by establishing clean energy projects to promote biodiversity conservation and disaster prevention thereby setting a hallmark of modernization in the new era of a low-carbon future.
According to Xi, various medical personnel will be sent to Africa and work with the continent to establish joint medical centers. These efforts will enhance Africa’s healthcare capacity, particularly in combating diseases such as malaria.
Xi also reaffirmed China’s support for the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will play a crucial role in strengthening the continent’s public health systems.
Security and peace, described as an essential component of modernization, will also be highly prioritized in the next three years to create a stable environment for development and modernization
China and Africa, together account for one-third of the world’s population. They are therefore poised to play a critical role in shaping global modernization.
“Without our modernization, there will be no global modernization,” President Xi declared.
As clear as it seems, this partnership between China and Africa is not only aimed at addressing historical injustices but also at creating a more just and equitable global order.
Xi criticized the Western approach to modernization, which he argued has inflicted immense suffering on developing nations. Instead, he championed a new path, in which countries like China and African nations can pursue their own models of modernization based on their unique national conditions.
“Modernization is an inalienable right of all countries,” Xi said, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and mutual respect in the modernization process.
This multi-billion financial support reflects China’s broader vision of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. It is a vision that seeks to foster deeper cooperation, promote economic growth, and ensure that no country or region is left behind in the global modernization journey.
As Xi poignantly noted, “Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization.”
With this bold commitment, China and Africa are embarking on a new chapter of cooperation, one that promises to yield significant benefits for both regions. The shared journey toward modernization is set to bring about lasting changes that will shape the future of both China and Africa for generations to come.
Diomaye Faye, the outgoing co-chair of FOCAC will be succeeded by the President of Congo Brazaville , Denis Sasoubguesso.
Speaking at the ceremony, he thanked Xi for the partnership actions and contribution to Africa’s development including assistance in the fight against Covid-19 and contribution to the construction of CDC headquarters among others.
Since its inception, FOCAC has convened several key sessions: the inaugural meeting in Beijing in October 2000, followed by sessions in Addis Ababa, Sharm El Sheikh, and Johannesburg. The 2021 summit was conducted virtually due to restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Kagame, extended heartfelt congratulations upon the upcoming 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, attributing the country’s transformation over the last decade to effective leadership that prioritizes the values and expectations of its citizens.
“Effective state governance is undoubtedly central to the success China has achieved,” Kagame said during the opening ceremony of the high level summit attended by more than 10 African Heads of State and Government.
“However, for governance to be truly effective, it must be grounded in the values and expectations of its citizens and not imposed from outside,” he said.
Kagame highlighted China’s impressive strides in poverty alleviation, development, and technological innovation as key areas from which Africa can draw valuable lessons to accelerate its own modernization efforts.
The Rwandan Head of State praised China’s commitment to shared development, which has facilitated a flourishing relationship between the two regions in areas such as infrastructure development, scientific innovation plus peace and security. The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China in 2013, was hailed by Kagame as a transformative force with a global impact, benefiting not only China but also nations like Rwanda.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction, Kagame shared two crucial lessons. First, he emphasized that there is no universal model for governance; each nation must navigate its own path in accordance with its unique context, history, and aspirations. He described how Rwanda, in the wake of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, relied on homegrown solutions to rebuild its economic, social, and political foundations.
Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s focus on national unity, economic diversification, and decentralized governance as pillars of its development strategy. “Our journey of self-reliance has allowed us to forge many productive partnerships, particularly with China and other African countries,” he stated.
The Head of Sate expressed confidence that as new global challenges and opportunities continue to emerge; the Africa-China partnership will remain more united and strengthened. He acknowledged the significant gains made in trade, industrial cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges since the inception of FOCAC, demonstrating the vitality of South-South cooperation.
Looking ahead, Kagame reaffirmed Africa’s readiness to build on the momentum achieved through participation in the three Global Initiatives on Development, Security, and Civilization proposed by President Xi Jinping.
On his part President Xi Jinping pledged to step up Chinese support to Africa with 30 infrastructure projects across the African continent and offer $50.7billion in financial assistance. The projects are expected to create a million jobs. “China is ready to deepen cooperation with Africa in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment,” Xi said during the forum attended by delegates from more than 50 African nations.
Speaking in a podcast aired by Table Media published on Thursday, August 5, 2024, Stamp noted that Rwanda was willing to implement the model as part of its efforts to find solutions to the global migration crisis.
“We currently have no third country that has come forward, with the exception of Rwanda,” Stamp said.
According to his proposal, asylum processes in Rwanda would take place under the oversight of the United Nations.
Stamp, a member of the junior coalition FDP party who holds a position within Germany’s Interior Ministry, stated that the proposed model would target refugees crossing the EU’s eastern borders, rather than all refugees, as suggested by the conservative opposition. “My suggestion would be that we concentrate on this group. It’s about 10,000 people a year,” he said.
Stamp also proposed eliminating the “connecting element” in the new Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which presently mandates that external asylum processes be carried out in countries where the asylum seeker has existing social ties.
In December last year, the European Union reached an agreement on updated regulations to manage irregular migrant and asylum seeker arrivals, marking a significant breakthrough after nearly a decade of disputes. The full implementation of this pact may not occur until the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, Stamp’s proposal comes in the wake of rising pressure on Germany’s ruling coalition government to restrict irregular migration following a fatal stabbing linked to Islamic State at a city festival last month. The incident fueled far-right opposition and criticism of Berlin’s migration policies.
Seasoned German parliamentarian Alexander Throm also urged his government in July to adopt the Rwanda migration scheme that was terminated by the UK.
The spokesperson for Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU faction said the government should build on the preparatory work done by the UK to advance their own plans for the agreement.
He noted that since Rwanda was willing to collaborate with European countries on migration issues, the end of the UK deal meant more ‘capacity’ for Germany.
“We should stick to the plan and make use of the groundwork our British partners laid for it,” the member of the German Parliament for Heilbronn told local media.
In the UK, the migration scheme was meant to deter illegal migrants from arriving using small boats across the English Channel by moving the migrants to Rwanda. However, the Labour Party differed with the Conservatives over the effectiveness and cost of the plan.
Despite the cancellation of the UK-Rwanda plan, the Rwandan government has reiterated its willingness to collaborate with other nations to tackle migration challenges.
“We remain committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity, and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country,” the Office of the Government Spokesperson said in July.
“Through Jinhua University, we focus on areas such as research, academic discussions, and skills training, and we’ve established a new multilevel, multifield, and multiform pattern of China-Africa education cooperation,” Zhu stated.
To date, Jinhua City has trained over 30,000 African students from more than 50 countries. [Zhejiang Normal University ->https://en.igihe.com/arts-culture/article/inside-the-african-museum-at-zhejiang-normal-university-photos]in Jinhua is home to the first comprehensive African Research Institute in a Chinese university and has hosted nearly 300 training programs for over 6,000 African officials, experts, and scholars. This has cultivated a significant number of African experts in China and China experts in Africa.
The city’s educational collaboration includes partnerships like the Morocco-Yiwu Business School and Jinhua Polytechnic Universities. Additionally, Jinhua Polytechnic has partnered with Musanze Integrated Polytechnic in Rwanda’s Northern Province. Zhu expressed optimism about this year’s FOCAC Summit, seeing it as an opportunity to deepen such collaborations.
“In April, the university welcomed 30 international students from Rwanda’s Musanze College [IPRC Musanze]. These students have quickly adapted to their studies in Jinhua and have strengthened their confidence in the future of vocational education,” Zhu noted.
“Looking ahead, we take this Beijing Summit FOCAC as an opportunity to further deepen and expand pragmatic cooperation with African countries in all aspects. We will continue to polish businesses as part of China Africa cooperation and make great contributions for building a China-Africa high level community with a shared future,” added Zhu.
On March 28, 2024, [Jinhua signed a Sister Cities Agreement with Musanze District->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/sister-city-of-musanze-explore-jinhua-the-heart-of-zhejiang-s-economic-growth] in Rwanda’s Northern Province, marking the first such agreement between China and Rwanda and symbolizing a new chapter of friendship and cooperation.
In the same month, Jinhua Polytechnic, signed a five-year agreement for an exchange program that initially allowed students from IPRC Musanze departing for China to study for two years in Rwanda and one year in China for an Advanced Diploma. This agreement followed a long term partnership between the two side, spanning more than a decade.
Zhejiang Province is one of China’s most economically developed regions, and has forged agreements with various African countries in trade, education, and development.
Chen Jiangfeng, Deputy Director of Zhejiang’s Department of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that Zhejiang has launched two consecutive three-year action plans on Zhejiang-Africa cooperation. “These efforts have led to new progress and results, particularly in frequent people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
Zhejiang has established 31 sister relationships with African countries, including Rwanda, ensuring friendly relations at the provincial, municipal, and district levels. In recent years, delegations led by top Zhejiang officials have visited Africa, co-hosting events and signing major cooperation agreements with local governments.
Economic and trade ties between Zhejiang and Africa are yielding significant results. In 2023, bilateral trade reached USD 53.9 billion, with Zhejiang’s investment in Africa totaling USD 4.6 billion. In the first half of 2024, two-way trade amounted to USD 27.88 billion, with a 12.9% year-on-year increase in imports from Africa, totaling USD 5.55 billion.
Educational and cultural exchanges are also flourishing. More than 20 Zhejiang universities have formed partnerships with African institutions, and eight Confucius Institutes have been established across the continent, training 120,000 Chinese language talents. Zhejiang has also provided vocational training for over 2,800 individuals from more than 160 African companies, and over 6,500 African students are currently studying in Zhejiang.
Medical cooperation is another pillar of Zhejiang’s engagement with Africa. For 55 consecutive years, Zhejiang has sent medical aid teams to African countries, including Mali and Namibia. In 2022 and 2023 alone, Zhejiang dispatched 110 medical personnel to Africa, delivering services to 183,800 people. These teams also provided free clinics in remote areas and promoted traditional Chinese medicine while conducting over 70 medical training sessions and 15 academic meetings.
